William Ockenden
Gambler, escapee
Arrived 182- on Marquis of Hastings
Although the authorities frowned on it, gambling at the barracks and in public houses was common among the convicts. Ockenden seems to have made it an art form.
A tailor by trade, William Ockenden was originally sentenced for robbery in 1828 in Sussex, England, and arrived in the colony on the Marquis of Hastings at the age of 21.
Three years later he came before the court at the Hyde Park Barracks for fleeing his road gang. Like many convicts, Ockenden liked to drink and gamble, and he was caught red-handed in a drinking establishment with plenty of cash, fake coins and gambling tools. The money was confiscated and he was locked in a solitary cell.
In February 1832 Ockenden was again caught attempting to escape. This time, branded a ‘notorious runaway and bad character’, he was sent to Norfolk Island.
Back at the Barracks in 1834, Ockenden made another attempt at escape. Four years later he gained his certificate of freedom.
Other convicts might have described Ockenden as: bug, sharp, lushy cove, scurf’d, boned, done, grab’d, nibb’d, pulled up, floor’d, bolter, pebble, cockatoo. See our glossary of convict slang words to find out what these words mean.
… the convict named in the margin was this day brought before us charged with being absent from his road party… and being found in a public house drinking… On his person were found a number of gambling implements such as cups & balls, dice, copper money soldered together in masses in such a manner as to give it the appearance of spread out, round pieces of tin done in the same way, together with one pound fifteen shillings and 9 pence in Spanish dollars...
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Dr Fiona Starr
Former curator
Fiona claims her love of history is hereditary – passed on by her mother and grandmother, each interested in Australian history, genealogy and world history, with a passion for visiting and learning about heritage sites around the world. Her interest took root with degrees in historical archaeology and museum studies, and through internships at the Museum of London and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Paris. Work on archaeological digs, with museum collections and on numerous exhibition and site interpretation projects inspired her PhD research into encouraging the private sector to help conserve cultural heritage sites. As curator of the Hyde Park Barracks Museum and The Mint (Macquarie Street Portfolio), Fiona combines her curiosity for colonial and convict history with expertise in managing and interpreting archaeology to help bring the fascinating stories of these sites to life for visitors.
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